Paper Title
ACCULTURATIVE STRESS AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS AMONG INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: A METANALYSIS

Abstract
Abstract:- Objectives: The main aim of this meta-analysis was to compile and analyze the findings from studies examining the connection between acculturative stress and depressive symptoms in international students. Additionally, it aimed to reveal how factors such as age, gender, host country, and the tools used for measurement might have influenced this association, considering the diversity of results reported in previous research. Methods - Twenty independent studies satisfying the eligibility criteria, with 4971 participants (51.99% female; mean age = 20.12 ± 3.68, range: 17–64 years old), were subjected to the random-effects meta-analysis. Results: The results indicated a significant correlation between acculturative stress and depressive symptoms (r = .49, CI [.45, .55]; Fisher’s Z =.54; CI [.48, .60]; Z = 18.32; p< 0.001), corresponding to a moderate effect (see Cohen, 1992). There were no significant moderating effects identified regarding age, gender, or geographical location, and the specific measures used for examining depression and acculturative stress. Conclusions - The findings underscore the significance of taking acculturative stress into account when addressing and managing depressive symptoms among international students. Furthermore, future research should aim for a broader representation of international students and include a more diverse range of countries, as a majority of studies thus far have been conducted in the United States with predominantly Asian international student samples. Keywords - Meta-analysis, depressive symptoms, acculturative stress, international students, acculturation.